The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-11-03
A, C., THURMAN,
THE PRESENT ISSUES
BETWEEN DEMOCRACY AND REPUB-
LICANISMl
Grand Endorsement Of cleveland's Ad-
ministration and Of
P0WETT,,S ANDTnACVt
POWELL'S CANDIDACY!
An Appeal to all Honest Men to
Cherish Democratic Principles.
and to Vote the
DEMOCRATIC TICKET |
Speech at Kenton, Hardin County,
Saturday. October 22d, 1887.
KENToN. OHIO, October %, 1873

MENTION, OHIO, OctOOer IL, 1861.
Hon. Daniel Flanagan called the meeting
to order at balfpast two P. NJ, and an
of the meeting.
Hon. Frank Dougherty, in introducing the
speaker of the afternoon, said:
My fellow citizens, the Democracy of Har-
din county, tried and true, welcomes her
distinguished visitors. Allen G. Thurman,
the ideal of.American manhood, the ''noblest
Roman of them all" is with US. (Applause.)
In the afternoon of his life, achen no slspi-
eson of sesfshness or ambition erists, he has left
the comforts of his home to aid us with his
counsel, and honor us with his presence. A
thousand welcomes say we all, and may he
be spared for many more years of usefulness,
is the fervent, heartfelt hope of every patriotic
citizen (applause). Thomas Edward Powell,
our gallant candidate for Governor, is with
us. Of spotless personal character in all the
elements of manhood, as clear cut as a cameo,
his candidacy has already inspired confidence
and enthusiasm, and his election would be
guarantee of good government, and the affairs
of the State be honestly and economically
administered. Judge Critchfeld, our can
didate for Supreme Judge, is here, grand
man, whose ability would adorn the judiciary
of any State or nation, and Mr. Kiesewetter,
our trusted Auditor of the State, is here.
Hon. w. II. Grain, one of the representa-
tives of the Lone Star State, is with u.s. and
we welcome the distinguished gentleman
from the land of the Alamo and Sam Houston,
and Democracy as answering as the heroes
that laid the foundation of the prosperity of
that great State.
We welcome, gentlemen, the members of
the press and the visiting clubs who have
graced the occasion with their presence, and
now, ladies and gentlemen, Mr., Thurman,
who needs no introduction to this audience,
will discuss the issues - Judge Thurman.
(GIeat applause).
Judge Thurman then spoke as follows:
Mr. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLE
MEN: Fifty four years ago stood on nearly
the same spot that occupy to-day. 1t was
the year in which this place was selected to
be the county seat of your county. 1 was
then youth, beardless youth, still a minor.
and earning my daily bread by following the
occupation of surveyor of land. I came
one day with my employer to see the place
that was to be the county seat of Hardin
county, and, as 1 said, stood on very nearly
the same spot that I stand on now, and look
ing around all the points of the compass
saw, to the best of my recollection, but one
house, one log-eabin down, as well as rec
ollect, near the river. That was all. The
rest of the scene was one of the densest forests
that ever eye.rested upon. 1t looked as if to
clear it was almost an impossibility. But
what change in these ffty-four years. What
q change in less than two-thirds of the life
time Of the boy who then stood looking over
the scene. Now, from the same spot can
behold one of the most prosperous and beauti-
full and lovely young cities in all of the State
of Ohio. Here, when there was then nothing
but the great forest trees, are to be seen
magnificent public buildings, churches, whose
spires reach toward heaven, schoolhouses in
every quarter, and dwelling houses whose
taste and comfort and conveniences rival
those of any place in this country. What q
change is thisl And does it not make you
proud, my fellow-countfymen, to know that
such a thing as this is possible in the land
where you live, and under the free institu-
tions you enjoy. And, my Fellow.D Democrats,
don't you feel something of qualification
when you recollect that this place, this site
was selected, this town was founded, in the
administration of that grand old hero, An
drew Jackson (applause), and with the bap-
tism of those Democratic times it has grown
rp to be the magnificent city that we now
behold But not the city alone. I have
spoken of the forest. Why, in that year, 1888,
if my recollection is right, it was a common
remark that Hardin county cannot be settled,
for the forest is too great for the axman to
cut down. Men won't buy the land. 1t will
cost too much to clear it. 1t will take a life
time to clear it. And hundreds, nay thou
sands of emigrants did pass by, and go where
there was less labor to be performed. But
now let anyone travel over this country, and
see the glorious farms that are to be every
where beheld, the villages that spring up
and are scarcely ever out of sight, let him
zee what county it is, and then let him
remember that nothing is impossible to Amer